Qantas: Australia Considers Allowing Foreign Ownership

Prime Minister Seeks to 'Unshackle' Flag Carrier

CANBERRA, Australia—The prime minister will seek to abolish laws preventing a foreign takeover of Qantas Airlines Ltd. but won't extend a debt guarantee or financial lifeline to help the carrier fight off international competitors.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the conservative government would introduce legislation that would allow Qantas to pass into foreign hands. The airline, known as the Flying Kangaroo, had lobbied to amend...